Liverpool Banter Archive July 13 2016

 

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13 Jul 2016 23:42:35
Karuis has pulled out of the Olympics saying club football is more important and doesn't want to miss the first two games of the season.

Believable17 Unbelievable1

14 Jul 2016 01:15:06
That may suggest that Klopp sees him as first choice.


14 Jul 2016 03:46:48
I was thinking maybe he didn't wanna risk mignolet being first choice those first two weeks.


14 Jul 2016 08:41:20
Yeah mignolet been first choice even for 2 games is scary. Good on Karius! Can see him been excellent for us.


14 Jul 2016 10:27:58
Scouse, not German!


13 Jul 2016 23:32:36
Great news Karius pulling out of the Olympic squad.

Also thought Stewart looked good tonight. We really do have some competition for Centre Midfield with Grujic looking a beast tonight.

Mane is going to be some player for us

Little lad loved it at the game tonight.

Believable20 Unbelievable0

14 Jul 2016 00:51:59
Mane is great to watch, i can't wait to see him and Grujic in action in a more competitive game. Stewart does well defensively but i just wish he would play the ball forward a little more often, he just tends to have the instinct to play it backwards when sometimes the easier and better option is to go forward.

So refreshing to see the likes of Woodburn playing so well, what a bright future that kid has. Ejaria again showed real glimpses of his talent and imo Kent put in his best performance for the first team, his decision making sometimes could be improved upon but all in all thought he was a real outlet on the right.


14 Jul 2016 02:21:20
MarcO great to hear your son had a cool night, next generation Liverpool fan there mate, it's pre season and it's always a good site this for updates on all things football, for me pre season is all about fitness but it sure doesn't hurt seeing the back of the net ripple.


13 Jul 2016 21:38:22
Klopp said that tonight was the first time he's seen grujic live. is that normal to sign a player without seeing him play in person? Also fair dooze colin murray. legend lad.

Believable8 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - No.}

13 Jul 2016 22:09:40
Happens all the time.


13 Jul 2016 22:17:13
Never seen Iive either.


13 Jul 2016 22:20:43
That's what scouts and second opinions are far. I'm sure Buvac had seen him before, as a fellow Serbian.


13 Jul 2016 22:38:56
Buvac had apparently recommended him to Klopp, so I'd say he has before tonight.


14 Jul 2016 12:31:16
When would have Klopp had a chance to watch Grujic live? He didn't have time to go to Serbia and watch him, his schedule with Liverpool was too hectic. Scout reports and videos would suffice.


13 Jul 2016 21:21:39
Grujic looks impressive, big, strong, quick, he could well end up a starter this season
Mane neat and tidy, Karius distribution impressive, Kent looks a real player he too has bulked up and looks quick and powerful, i can't believe that kid Woodburn is 16 is that right? Wow
Moreno needs replacing he's learnt zero, bizarrely Firmino suits the extra weight and he could be a real player this season, Lovren assured, Matip too, Wisdom has eaten another Wisdom! Lucas scored omg!
And my honest opinion even though its way too early is ings won't cut it here but i hope he does, he's trying way too hard
A tidy run out and some goals and what did Klopp say? He said it wasnt good enough! How refreshing! YNWA.

Believable9 Unbelievable9

13 Jul 2016 21:37:43
Firmino has this aura about him, where he is just a class above everyone and he wasn't even trying.

What the hell wrong is it with illoru, never seen him have a bad game looks solid. His attitude must still because given games he could be some player.

Ejaria looks crap and then he stats moving about and he looks a great player.


13 Jul 2016 21:49:05
Ilori I presume you mean there has to be a reason the what 3 clubs and 4/ 5 managers haven't picked him imo.


13 Jul 2016 22:07:26
Llori, Illoru 😄, poor lad doesn't get picked because no-one knows his name. 😄.


13 Jul 2016 22:18:57
Ive always said Ings isn't good enough to carry us to a top four spot. I wonder if Rodgers would have bought him if he wasn't free. At best he will be a bit part player this season.


13 Jul 2016 22:22:07
Good theory Ronald. Perhaps we should taboo his name from now on and only refer to him as "you know who" or "he who must not be named"!


13 Jul 2016 22:35:23
Redmist, he wasn't free. He cost us about £10m in a tribunal fee!


13 Jul 2016 22:55:17
I tell you what I liked about mane, he went past the full back both inside and out, don't think he failed to beat him once. I know it's pre season agaisnt lower opposition but his willingness to get at him was good, and he wasn't predictable at all.


13 Jul 2016 21:00:05
Ejaria, Can and Grujic in midfield and set piece problems might be improved somewhat.

Believable7 Unbelievable0

13 Jul 2016 20:58:02
Bit of a silly question I know.

Anyone know what glasses Klopp is wearing tonight? I'm in the market for a new pair and they look dope! They look different than the ray bans (I think) he wore this past season.

Cheers.

Believable7 Unbelievable0

13 Jul 2016 21:18:57
You can get a nice set of Eltons from town on offer for a bluey.


13 Jul 2016 21:45:53
I understand very little of that sentence Davey.

Everyone else can rest assumed, I think I found out what they are.


13 Jul 2016 22:46:06
What are they Spartan?


14 Jul 2016 02:41:01
The natural - replied a while back but it's not up. Is swearing not allowed here? I feel like I should know the answer to that already.

Anywho - I was wrong! I thought they were a pair that they're definitely not. I've looked closely and can't find them on the Oakley website (UK, USA, and German sites) . Either it's an unreleased pair (possible. Side note, is Klopp sponsored by any of these glasses companies? If not, he should be. ), an old pair that's not made anymore (unlikely), or some other reason that I haven't come up with yet! Regardless, it's currently a mystery. 10 points to whoever solves it.


14 Jul 2016 05:36:28
I'm pretty sure they're usually Ray Ban's.


14 Jul 2016 08:09:53
Yeah they are ray bans.


14 Jul 2016 13:09:25
No they were definitely oakleys last night. You can see it very clearly in his post match interview.


14 Jul 2016 19:03:10
Mystery solved (I think) . Spoke to Oakley. They said they think his is a custom pair. Can go into more detail if anyone is interested.


13 Jul 2016 19:55:28
Grujic looks a bit of a player.

Believable19 Unbelievable0

13 Jul 2016 19:55:25
Got too say it, left back is a priority this window, moreno is by far our weakest link, I know it's only pre season but he has had a terrible game.

Believable7 Unbelievable2

13 Jul 2016 20:36:06
Moreno came on second half v tranmere - misplaced passes out of position ths usual.


13 Jul 2016 20:49:39
We've been saying for years now that Moreno is average. Ok admittedly that is 2 years but the plural stands! I'm sure he'll mature and develop that ability to read the game defensively etc etc when tho? I've never been convinced by his pace and so-called "attacking ability". Besides his goals, which to be fair were awesome, what else does he contribute? Would love to see it, just patiently waiting tho.!


13 Jul 2016 19:45:15
For anyone that missed it congrats Ojo for 2 assists for England under 21's good lad!

Believable14 Unbelievable0

13 Jul 2016 19:52:55
Under 19s apologies!


13 Jul 2016 19:57:54
It was for the U19's but he really looks like a great talent. 3 assists in 5 starts for us at the end of the season too.


13 Jul 2016 19:38:28
Just witnessed the top knot on Moreno. Great look can't wait for my hair to grow!

Believable4 Unbelievable3

13 Jul 2016 20:21:18
First half against Fleetwood was the Marko Grujic show.
This lad is so talented, strong, athletic.
Won us a penalty with great skill in the box, which Ings missed.
Then scores a good goal himself as well as hitting the woodwork.
All the signs of being a great buy for us.


13 Jul 2016 20:37:48
As I said at the start of the window, Grujic could be a surprise starter in midfield. Keep hitting the ground running lad. With the size of his steps nobody will be able to keep up lol.


13 Jul 2016 22:12:44
Judging by all the clubs who wanted him before we paid more to get him, not surprising to see his quite a player.


13 Jul 2016 19:31:37
Watching the first half of the friendly, I'll tell you what grujic looks huge! So strong! His touch is tight, keeps it a little under his feet though. It's only a friendly but he looks like he could have a good season. Mane looks sharp already too.

Believable10 Unbelievable1

13 Jul 2016 19:59:37
Everything positive we did in the first half all came through Grujic. Moreno up to his old tricks again diving into stupid tackles.


13 Jul 2016 20:48:50
Youngsters look lively, Kents running lots, Woodburn looks assured for a 16 year old. Ejaria looks good at times but aimless, needs a calmer head. Apart from smith and branagan and obviously Lucas firmino, not sure about the others playing have a shot, ilori wisdom.


13 Jul 2016 18:38:12
Anything on Allan? Will he be able to play this season?

Believable1 Unbelievable5

13 Jul 2016 20:20:33
As far as I know he still can't get a work permit and the club are sending him back out on loan, YNWA.


13 Jul 2016 20:29:44
I think he's off on loan this season as he doesn't qualify for a permit yet. Although he has been called up to the youth set up for Brazil so hoefully he's on the right path.


12 Jul 2016 23:00:26
Eds, which Liverpool players in particular are considered as part of the clubs long term plans?

Believable1 Unbelievable1

{Ed023's Note - Off top of my head I would assume Mane, Karius, Can, Grujic, Ward, Firmino, Coutinho, Chirivella, Henderson, Origi, Matip, Ings, Gomez, Ojo.. It's a difficult question to answer with total confidence because as ed002 says players come and go all the time.}

13 Jul 2016 18:56:22
Hendo no I just don't think klopp is keen.


13 Jul 2016 19:02:22
Billo, Hendo has played every game when he's been fit. How can you decide from that Klopp's not keen on him?


13 Jul 2016 20:55:21
Hendo = deadwood? :p long term can be so transient. Another poster said that if clyne is upset then we should just get rid. i like the look of those names mentioned eds. Hopefully we can keep a core group of players together that gets us up in that top bracket in the league.


13 Jul 2016
The real time live chat page is open for today's Liverpool match at the below link for you to talk to each other during the match
Liverpool Live Chat page

Believable1 Unbelievable0

13 Jul 2016 17:14:15
Big Sam manager of England.
no player under six foot in height
no player who wears less than size twelve boots
no player who prefers to pass the ball rather than hoof it as far forward as possible OMG.

Believable8 Unbelievable4

13 Jul 2016 17:33:32
At least we won't have to go to the farce of the next two World Cup's if he is in charge. Glass half full and all that.


13 Jul 2016 17:41:09
Andy Carroll, Troy Deeney, Ryan Shawcross and Lee Catamole are delighted.


13 Jul 2016 17:44:42
Hopefully he sees four years and we can dodge Qatar as well.


13 Jul 2016 18:00:58
Well he couldn't do much worse than the previous managers. Who knows, he might surprise!


13 Jul 2016 18:01:34
Could we do any worse though? I'm no fan but at least he'd shout at them and mean it.


13 Jul 2016 18:28:39
Well, at least he would get England playing the way they are more suited for.


13 Jul 2016 18:38:18
I'm no fan of big Sam but things can't get much worse and I don't think he will tolerate much BS from the prima donnas.


13 Jul 2016 18:42:31
I don't understand why Eddie Howe hasn't at least been considered. At least his Bournemouth team play football that's watchable. All the other candidates play hoof ball by the looks of it.


13 Jul 2016 19:51:38
I would quite like to see Eddie Howe as England manager.


13 Jul 2016 20:32:42
Brendan Rodgers won't be lasting very long up at Celtic by the looks of it 😂😂 could be worth a call.


13 Jul 2016 20:43:03
Some great quotes from him at least. "I won’t ever be going to a top-four club because I’m not called Allardici, just Allardyce. ”

Got him the England job anyway.


13 Jul 2016 20:48:12
Andy Carroll must be made up. Guaranteed a call up!


14 Jul 2016 08:20:34
At least we won't have to worry about players getting injured on England duty, Big Sam hates us so much he probably won't pick any from LFC ;-)


14 Jul 2016 12:27:18
If he's in the running then Tony Pulis should be given a chance too.


13 Jul 2016 16:37:05
Good luck sergi canos!

Believable18 Unbelievable1

13 Jul 2016 14:20:45
Hi Ed2, I have a question that's England and FA related but I didn't know where to post it so my apologies for putting it here.

Do you have any information on how the FA Board are voted in? I know football is all about opinions and I'm sure Big Sam is a nice guy, but it seems to me that the people making the decisions for England Manager are constantly repeating the same mistakes and going for apparent age and experience without any intention or perhaps capability to plan for our future differently.

Is it a bit of an 'old boys club' and they always decide no matter who they consult with?

Thanks as always

Bryan.

Believable2 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - They are appointed by the FA Council Bryan that has members from throughout the game. Any decisions in respect of England manager are always taken with advice - generally including the advice of old boys. For many years the likes of Bobby Robson were asked for their opion.}

13 Jul 2016 17:07:01
Ed2, in your opinion what are the chances of a bloody good shake up at the FA and doing things different?


{Ed002's Note - Because you don't like their choice of England manager? Changes will come when the breakaway happens.}

13 Jul 2016 17:12:02
Thanks Ed, always appreciated. It would be nice to see someone young, modern (in footballing terms) with a real belief in the system or style they play in. Personally, I don't get too hung up on the need for English. the top club sides don't adhere to it when building a style and brand of playing so it would be nice to see something break the mound for once.

Einstein's definition of madness (paraphrased) - keep doing the same things and expecting different results.

All the best to you and yours.


13 Jul 2016 17:19:29
not really, just would like a little more success at tournaments or perhaps we are just not good enough. if so, surely more needs to be done regards youth.


13 Jul 2016 17:20:14
The possibility of a breakaway is only there because of the dinosaurs running the game. When it happens they'll only have themselves to blame.


{Ed002's Note - No, that is not true at all.}

13 Jul 2016 17:35:52
Do you think that a breakaway will kill off international football as we know it and will that effect FIFA ed002?


{Ed002's Note - International games won't be impacted. Putting aside the half-assed ideas UEFA will put forward next month, when the full proposal for a breakaway goes ahead, there is every likelihood that the big money from television, sponsorship etc. would go with a breakaway league. It would completely rupture the operations of UEFA and I would expect it would require national associations like the FA to restructure their leagues. Nobody wants this but it is the eventual consequence I would expect. Initially it could be that there is a single 16 team league with 2 or 3 EPL teams making the initial plunge. If I had to speculate, I would think (1) you might eventually (although not initially) see something like five or six EPL teams leave for two-tier pan European league - but it won't be based on the UEFA rankings; (2) the Premier League would be disbanded as an organisation; (3) the FA would restructure in to two 20 team divisions with lower leagues regionalised as they were many years ago; (4) FIFA would ban all players from the breakaway teams from International football - perhaps rescinding that position to stop FIFA breaking up as well - they don't want further issues but the troubles are not going to go away. I could also see many teams lose their professional status. I would think we are probably 10 years away from any significant move at this time.

13 Jul 2016 17:36:16
Ps thank you for your swift reply sir!


13 Jul 2016 17:49:42
Really interesting to hear, has this been driven by clubs being annoyed with the way that the likes of UEFA and FIFA run the game or is it more fundamentally about money?


13 Jul 2016 17:49:42
Really interesting to hear, has this been driven by clubs being annoyed with the way that the likes of UEFA and FIFA run the game or is it more fundamentally about money?


{Ed002's Note - This been done to death rather but it is about a number of "elite" clubs deciding it is time to move on - but it will take time.}

13 Jul 2016 17:56:02
Appreciate your info Ed002's but really hope this does not happen.


13 Jul 2016 19:10:30
Would you class Lfc as an "elite" club?


{Ed002's Note - None of this involves Liverpool.}

13 Jul 2016 19:39:43
Hi Ed002,

Back on England for a second, would love to hear your opinion on who you think would be the best manager for England?

We've seen the article on here advocating Roy Evans or Glenn Hoddle, but what is your view, if you don't mind me asking?

Cheers in advance.


{Ed002's Note - Not English - German Roger Schmidt, Eusebio Di Francesco or Julen Lopetegui. English - Paul Clement or Glenn Hoddle. Not English but kows the game - Laurent Blanc.}

13 Jul 2016 16:00:35
With the news that Sakho could miss the start of the season and having let Skrtel and Toure leave. Are we expected to go in for another CB?
Eds is Subotic still an option or would he be looking to move to a team where he would be a definite starter? Is something likely to happen or would it be more likely Klopp will get through the start of the season with Lovren and Matip and then stick with the 4 Cbs we have when Sakho and Gomez are fit. (expecting Wisdom and Illori to leave)

Believable1 Unbelievable5

{Ed001's Note - seriously, you want to buy a player just because of an injury?}

13 Jul 2016 16:31:52
Ah no I was more just asking if we would be in the market to add a 4th senior cb. As many seem to think we will be. I myself wouldn't bother. expect Matip and Lovren to have a partnership for a while anyway and Sakho will find it hard to get back in if its successful, never mind another cb. Gomez is also not back yet though and any sort of serious injury or lay off would leave us extremely light.


{Ed001's Note - Gomez has been promised the chance to be back up, so it would be a surprise if Klopp then went and purchased one.}

13 Jul 2016 17:13:14
We got Joe Gomez. Need to give young good players a chance.


13 Jul 2016 17:52:44
Is ilori definitely going, any takers?


13 Jul 2016 19:19:06
How about Brewitt and Gomez covering? We still have Matip and Lovren, as well as Lucas and Cwn for emergencies!


13 Jul 2016 15:47:00
With Barcelona confirming Digne today, and IMO I can't see Tottenham spending that money when they have Davies and Rose. Are we now the only team that have had any sort of contact with his agent or Cologne?

Believable2 Unbelievable1

13 Jul 2016 16:16:41
No, Cologne is talking to another team. Why do you think Liverpool will spend that sum on the player?


13 Jul 2016 16:33:46
Ed002 confirmed both us and Spurs had spoken to Hector's agent and Cologne themselves were speaking to Barcelona (the other team) whether Digne joining Barcelona changes the situation for us in particular I don't know.


{Ed002's Note - Barcelona will drop their interest in Hector - and the asking price will likely drive away others.}

13 Jul 2016 18:50:33
Klopptimus Prime, I love your name man, epic.


13 Jul 2016 15:39:17
Fair play to Colin Murray for resigning from Talksport over their take over by the owners of the S*n. Well played that man.

Believable11 Unbelievable1

13 Jul 2016 16:25:56
Just read it then yeah can't fault him
Jft96 Ynwa.


13 Jul 2016 16:49:07
We all should switch it off, I personally never listen to it anyway, as I hate the presenters. Good Luck Colin, YNWA.


13 Jul 2016 16:54:16
Lfc TV need to snap him up on principle.

Hopefully he can give the channel a kick up the backside.

Nice one Murray lid.


13 Jul 2016 18:55:42
Top bloke and the right thing to do YNWA 96.


13 Jul 2016 19:11:49
Lfctv couldn't pay him Davey.


13 Jul 2016 20:53:30
Colin Murray YNWA.


13 Jul 2016 15:30:08
Colin Murray sticking to his guns, fair play brother. I tip my hat to you.

Believable10 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - fair play to him.}

13 Jul 2016 16:40:07
Class move by the only guy I genuinely like on that station.


13 Jul 2016 18:31:47
Agreed. top man.


14 Jul 2016 11:56:59
Don't know the guy BUT well done to him. Great to know that those with a moral backbone still exist in this world of ours.


13 Jul 2016 12:54:37
Finally watching the tranmere game. Coupled with social media showing gazza clips to try and let us remember him as he was.

Does anyone else think that Kent is looking similar to him? Not necessarily skill level or ability, but the way he moves and seems to think? Or should I stop drinking with Gaza?

Believable1 Unbelievable7

13 Jul 2016 14:09:45
Man you drinks with gaza likely to get hurt.

Confucius.


13 Jul 2016 12:29:23
There is bound to be a Chinese club who would give us a fortune of money for Balotelli!

Believable5 Unbelievable4

13 Jul 2016 14:26:13
ive heard we've offered him to the Chinese chippy across the road from the Kop.
Looking for staff and they still refused him.


13 Jul 2016 15:52:01
he'd burn the plaice down in no time.


13 Jul 2016 16:33:19
Good one dbol 😁, i could see baloteli in a hair net cooking up some chips, to be fair they wouldn't have no trouble on a saturday night after lpubs shut. He would be throwing hot chips at anyone trying it on.


13 Jul 2016 16:52:16
They refused him because he wears the Wong type of footwear.


13 Jul 2016 17:04:35
Borderline mrniceguy.


13 Jul 2016 18:57:35
Yeah and wongs don't make a right 😉.


13 Jul 2016 11:18:24
First time post. Love this site and your work.
Not heard of this link, but would Ben Davies be a good option at LB?

Believable0 Unbelievable6

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has not shown any interest in him.}

13 Jul 2016 12:11:25
Not convinced by him at all. He's better than Moreno, but that doesn't equate to being a good left back!


13 Jul 2016 14:24:27
Davies not better than Moreno even tho Moreno is an aweful defender. He`s actually worse than him.


13 Jul 2016 10:02:34
Is anyone off to Fleetwood tonight? I am taking my 4 year old so hopefully be a strong starting 11 again as it will be his first game 😊.

Believable10 Unbelievable1

13 Jul 2016 10:17:56
Enjoy the game mate, should be a strong team again it seems so it should be a good one to watch.


13 Jul 2016 10:23:43
Well in👌 enjoy 😎.


13 Jul 2016 10:29:39
Cheers guys he is so excited. Hopefully goes well and he enjoys it then can take him to Anfield.


13 Jul 2016 11:12:15
Lucky man I hope he has a great time👍👍👍.


{Ed002's Note - I suspect Ed003 will be there.}

13 Jul 2016 13:23:47
I am off to Huddersfield next week and can not wait. Should be a great match and I always look forward to seeing the young blood coming through the ranks.


13 Jul 2016 13:41:27
Have a cracking night with your son MarcO.

Hopefully he will play strong teams both tonight and Sunday against Wigan as I'm going to that game.


13 Jul 2016 13:57:02
Will do thanks Wassa setting off shortly as there is a farm near the ground he likes so pop there first. Two birds one stone.

Enjoy Sunday mate.


13 Jul 2016 09:36:21
Can I ask please what the eds opinion is on Grujic and if you think he will get plenty of game time this season? I presume he will play as one of the 2 central mids but can't see Klopp leaving out Emre or Henderson who us obviously captin. Unless he plays a little further foward?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - never seen him play, so I have no opinion on him.}

13 Jul 2016 09:59:37
Can't you form an opinion from 5mins youtube clips like everyone else mate? Haha.


{Ed001's Note - that would involve actually going on there first to do so! I am not a big fan of it to be honest. There are a fair few sites with full games on them which are much more useful.}

13 Jul 2016 12:13:29
I couldn't find any full games of the Serbian league online but there are a few sites with extended highlights. Better to judge him on more than just the exciting things.


13 Jul 2016 09:29:28
I would not be worried about klopps culling of the youth that includes ibe. I think this is a very good thing for the club in the long run.

Klopp has identified the abysmal management of the youth and the squad as a whole as a problem from the previous regime. While he may like some players like a ibe a little, and may feel he could iron out his kinks, players like ibe, wisdom, rossiter, teixeira, sinclair and smith, all had exceptional talent at a young age.

However, brodge has messed them all around and not played them to an extent where it is probably best that they all move on, while all being talented. By getting rid of these players and allowing them to move on, klopp is clearing the way for the younger ones, such as ojo, kent, chirivella etc, in making sure such awful management of youth players does not happen again.

If we were to keep these players it would stifle the development of the next batch again and that is not good for the long term. Ibe would block the path of ojo and while it would be a shame to let ibe go, wouldn't it be a greater shame to see ojo go the way of teixeira?

I see this as mature and excellent man management from klopp for the future.

Believable14 Unbelievable3

13 Jul 2016 11:12:57
also note that its a better option for Ibe.

if he is not going to get game time here, he should be getting it elsewhere.

Ibe needs to play regularly if he is to improve further, and it is the best decision for both parties.


13 Jul 2016 11:20:24
Woolback, although this is a response to your post this is a rant to all those pushing the ridiculous myth that youth suffered under Rodgers.

First of all Rodgers always showed faith in youth, if he wanted to try something new he had absolutely no hesitation in giving youth a shot and the first team has benefited from this. Gomez, Flanagan, Coutinho and Can are all players who were in the first team at 20 or younger and don't forget Sterling who brought in a £50m fee. Furthermore we've got Hendo (22 when he became a regular for Rodgers and is now captain), Studge (who came to us at 23 after failing to break through at City and Chelsea and is now one of the best strikers in the PL) and Ings (brought in at 22 and may still turn into a star for us) .

So what about all those youth prospects he supposedly ruined? Starting with the subject of your post Ibe was coming along nicely under Rodgers, don't you remember how excited we were last summer? If anything it's under Klopp that his career has stalled. The list of youth prospects who Rodgers gave a chance to but didn't make the grade includes Wisdom, Markovic (we will wait and see if he proves Rodgers wrong), Suso, Shelvey, Borini and Manquilo. All these guys got multiple games in the first team before being sold or sent out on loan and none of them have done anything to suggest that Rodgers was wrong to release them.

Finally you've got Teixeira and Ilori who were never given a chance by Rodgers but Klopp hasn't either and you don't seem to be questioning his judgement.

You might try to argue that Rodgers' success stories were largely transfers and he failed to bring through players from the academy but that's illogical. Rodgers repeatedly demonstrated that if a youth player was good enough they'd be given the opportunity and, if they took it, would become first team regulars (Sterling and Flanagan are examples of this) . The fact that few players came through the academy is a poor reflection on the academy not Rodgers.

I get that Rodgers is unpopular, the last year and a bit with him was hugely disappointing but trying to tarnish his legacy with a myth is simply wrong.


13 Jul 2016 12:48:40
Muscatred are you kidding me? Rodgers showed zero faith in the youth players, the Ony time he put them in is when he no other choice, the players you mention may have been young but they were not part of our 'youth' other than sterling ( who was bought at 15) sturridge -12m. Couts 9 mil. Can 10 mil were bought for the first team not so Rodgers could give youth a chance. Flanno got his opportunity under dalgliesh and was largely ignored by Rodgers until he had no other choice. He spent close to 40 mil on Markovic, borini and Luis Alberto and barely played them. Why didn't he look to the academy instead of wasting that money. He paid a loan fee for manquillo when we had flanno? Why? The list is endless of his costly mistakes.


13 Jul 2016 14:07:12
Mustcat, I think when people say "youth" they mean "our academy".

Rodgers had an absolutely shocking record with bringing through players from the academy.

He gave Suso a shot, then blanked him for no reason. He gave Wisdom a shot, then carelessly sent him on I'll thought out loans. He gave Rossiter a chance, then blanked him.

He gave Smith a chance out of position against Chelsea, then blanked him.

He gave Sinclair his debut at 16, fuelled his ego with excessive praise and then blanked him for 3 whole seasons.

He gave Ibe a chance out of position after recalling him from a good loan and then replaced him.

He gave Flanagan a chance, and then replaced him with Moreno before he actually got injured.

He gave Sterling a good chance mainly in his correct position and then let him settle into the side over the course of a season. The one and only time he did this and look how it turned out! We got £50m. It's worth noting that the main reason Sterling forced a move was because of how much he disliked Rodgers though. So the only youth academy success story has a black mark next to it anyway.

With regards to young players he signed, Gomez was given a chance, but out of position.

Can was given a chance, out of position.

Teixeira got a chance, contributed to the winning goal, and then got blanked.

Ilori never kicked a ball until Klopp gave him a game and he blew his chances against Exeter.

Coutinho did not improve at all under Rodgers. His creativity has curtailed massively. In his first half a season he created 7 goals and scored 3, and his best tally since as been 8 goals created in an entire season and about 8 goals scored. All it seems Rodgers did was put him on the left and tell him to cut in a shoot repeatedly until one flew in. Hence the marginal improve on how many goals he scored, and the massive reduction in the consistency of his creative threat. He certainly didn't ruin Coutinho, but I haven't seen any improvement in Couts other than him being physically tougher due to his bulking up with age.

Henderson was indeed given a chance, after Rodgers tried to trade him for Clint Dempsey!

Sturridge was given a chance, but then Rodgers nearly ruined his career by rushing him back from injury after injury because all of his other striker signings were failing.

Alberto barely played.

Moreno probably didn't get worse, but he certainly didn't get better.

Markovic was a mistake anyway, but he played a few games out of position and then got chucked on the scrap heap by the guy who signed him.

Anyway, my rather obvious point is, Rodgers let young players down repeatedly. The only 2 players he can claim to have significantly improved are Sturridge and Sterling and he nearly put one in a wheelchair and drove the other out the club. Coutinho and Can have proven to be good signings, but to argue that Rodgers actually improved their game is wrong in my opinion.


13 Jul 2016 14:11:53
Bang on, swish.

Giving youth a chance is about using players from our academy, not buying expensive imports who happen to be young.


13 Jul 2016 14:26:44
Swish, a few points:

1. How does what happened before Rodgers arrived have anything to do with Rodgers' approach to youth? (side note - there's a difference between giving a player his debut and promoting him to the first team. Dalglish gave Sterling 27 minutes of football and dropped Flanagan for the 11/ 12 season. Both players owe Rodgers thanks for their position as first 11 players) .
2. What has the transfer fee got to do with anything? Suso was from the academy and Markovic cost £20m, neither were good enough and both were dropped. Sterling was from the academy and Coutinho cost £11m, both were good enough and became first team players.
3. 'He only played them when he had to'? Do you expect managers to drop first team players to give youth a run out? When Rodgers needed something he looked to see if it was available in the youth, if it was they played, if it wasn't he looked to transfer someone in. That's pretty much the textbook definition of what you want a manager to do.
4. Rodgers speculated on the transfer market, some times it worked (Coutinho, Sturridge, Can etc) sometimes it didn't (Borini, Markovic Alberto etc) . What world do you live in if you think every transfer is going to be successful?
5. Your contradictory statement about Manquillo sums up why you and people that peddle this stupid notion have got it wrong. Flanagan was injured so we needed someone else in. Getting Manquillo on loan meant we had cover, we saved on a transfer fee and could get rid of him easily if needed to (we did), it was a prudent move.

Raheem Sterling is the most recent academy graduate to become a star at Liverpool, he made his debut in 11/ 12 and was a first team regular in 12/ 13. The previous graduate to become a star was Steven Gerrard, he debuted in 98/ 99 and was a first team regular in 99/ 00. That's a gap of 13 years where the academy produced failed to produce a single first team regular but somehow you've come to the conclusion that Rodgers was the problem.


{Ed001's Note - 1. Because it was why he had to give them a run of games, due to not having any older players to pick ahead of them. As for your side note, that is nonsense, Rodgers had no choice but to play them, due to injuries and lack of options, due to the previous regimes cutting down the squad.
3. You are missing the point, promising youth players need a chance, a regular run of games, to find out if they are good enough. It should not be forced upon a manager, but be part of his job to integrate youngsters. Rodgers never once looked to see if they were available within the academy, as he never watched them play. He looked to buy players to ensure the options were present in the first team squad.
5. Manquillo was not needed, he was a crap right back that was nowhere near their first team. He was brought in because Rodgers sent Wisdom out on loan, when Wisdom was a better player and coulld have played the role more easily. Also refer to point 3, about his lack of integrating our academy products over bringing ones in from elsewhere.}

13 Jul 2016 14:28:52
MK, Rodgers record of bringing youth through the academy was better than any other manager in recent years. As for the players he moved on, if they're not good enough they're not good enough, how was that his fault?


13 Jul 2016 14:16:11
Muscatred, Swish is spot on. You spent a lot of time defending BR 18 months ago even after he got fired, you still did it. here's how I know your point that BR showed faith in youth always is bogus. Ed01 has mentioned here numerous times that BR was so not bothered about them that he rarely went to watch them play. How can you show faith in players you haven`t even seen play?

If you can debunk Ed`s comment then please, do so. If you can`t then we can assume he`s not lying. The youth BR did play were due to injuries and last resort. Remember he sent Ibe to Derby on loan yet blew 20m on Marko. Smart move right? You talk of Manquillo (awful defender) .

He brought him in at RB yet sold Kelly for a pittance and loaned out Wisdom to WBA. Another smart move by your genius, right? You talk of Hendo, Shelvey and the like while omitting conveniently, that Hendo was bought as a first teamer and Shelvey, Flanno and Sterling got their debuts from you guessed it, KK.

So much for showing faith in youth, eh? BR may not be the sole responsible for our youth not coming thru and there`s enough blame to go around. But to say that he always showed faith in youth is bogus and factually inaccurate.


13 Jul 2016 14:48:03
Thanks MK for the more in depth summary, there was so much to write I didn't Know where it would all end!


13 Jul 2016 15:12:57
Actually MK, I'm going to go to give you a proper response.

The difference between Academy and transfers - for what possible reason do you separate these? It makes no difference if they were brought in or from the academy, Rodgers was extremely fair in this regard, if you were good enough you played and if you weren't you didn't, whether you were an academy graduate of a £20m 'Marquee' signing it made no difference.

Players that were given a chance but then dropped - You say Rodgers mistreated Suso, Wisdom etc but he gave them extended runs in the team and they didn't take their chance, he did exactly what we all say we want the manager to do. You then undermine your point by using Klopp's treatment of Ilori as a positive thing when 3 appearances in 'C' teams is far worse than what Rodgers gave Suso etc.

Playing players out of position - this argument is a personal bugbear of mine. We praise players who can play in multiple positions but when Rodgers asked a winger to play at wing back people lose their sh*t. Everyone conveniently forgets that Can's shift to defence and the use of wingbacks precipitated a run of form that brought 40 points from 17 games. Rodgers using these players out of position is an example of him doing his job right.

The Henderson Hypocrisy - Yes Rodgers wanted to sell Henderson, but then so did everyone, he was considered a flop at the time. Rodgers deserves credit for changing his mind, many managers would have punished a player who scuppered their plans.

He ruined Sinclair - Seriously?

He drove Sterling out - it's convenient that Sterling is the villain most of the time but the victim when you want to bash Rodgers.

He broke Sturridge - You're clutching at straws now.

Coutinho hasn't developed - First of all, don't be ridiculous. Second of all he went from being a player who was struggling in Italy to our best player who is on the radar of the biggest clubs in the world.

Flanagan was replaced by Moreno - No he wasn't, Flanagan is a right back who (if you whisper it quietly) was effective when played out of position. It was Manquillo who was brought in as cover whilst Flanagan was injured.

In 3 and a bit seasons Rodgers gave 12 players, 21 or under, significant first team game time, 4 of which became first team regulars and one may still. I put it to you that this is actually a pretty great record in regards to youth.


{Ed001's Note - you seem to overlook reality when it suits your agenda. Playing multiple positions is not the same as playing a player out of position. It was clear that Markovic was no wingback and Can was no centre back, but Rodgers failed to see it until too late. As for the shift, that is correct it began a good run of form, for a few weeks until it was worked out and the danger signs were there weeks but we got away with results. Still Rodgers did not change it and waited until long after form had gone and confidence had dipped. Rodgers was not doing his job right, no matter how blind your faith in the useless git is.

As for Henderson, most of us were actually up in arms about Rodgers wanting to get rid, you conveniently forget that because it doesn't suit your rewriting of history to defend the failure of a former manager. You live in a dream world where the lazy get who couldn't be arsed to do his job due to being too busy dicking around on his wife and getting a makeover was some kind of managerial genius despite him failing us miserably. You should be ashamed to defend a man who took the piss out of us by taking huge wages while doing half a job so he kept plenty of spare time for sunbeds and dentists.}

13 Jul 2016 15:22:43
The main one for me is the fact he rarely if ever (depending on who you listen to) watched our youth teams or players out on loan play. wasn't their headlines in klopps first week after traveling to watch a youth game that he'd already spent more time with the academy players than Rodger's in his whole regime?

Don't know the one and outs but a manager should be watching every minute of every match from u16s up at least, preferably live when possible, this frankly is part of their job or should be for the planning of the clubs future sake!


13 Jul 2016 15:23:13
Ed quick reposte.

1. So your argument is that playing youth proves nothing because he may have played other players if they were available. That's speculative and can't be used as a criticism.
3. My point is that he did give promising youth players a chance. in 12/ 13 Suso made 12 starts plus a number of sub appearances, Wisdom got 19 starts. They were given a chance and didn't take it.
5. If Wisdom wasn't good enough he wasn't good enough and it was right and proper to look for someone better. The fact that Manquillo wasn't good enough either shows the benefit of hind sight not that Rodgers did the wrong thing.


{Ed001's Note - 1. It can when he deliberately went out and bought a huge number of mediocre players to ensure he didn't need to try youth again. So your riposte is bollox and just shows a lack of real understanding.
3. Both could have had a lot more games, but he kept returning to failing players, such as Glenn Johnson, rather than keep faith with a youngster who had done well. As for Suso, he made less appearances after he fell out with Bodgers over broken promises made by the fraud that you love so much. So please don't try and argue as it just shows up your ignorance in this matter.
5. Wisdom was good enough, he never let us down when he played, but Bodgers wanted a Spaniard to go with his Spanish obsession of possession for possession's sake football. It shows that Bodgers failed to scout properly as everyone knew Manquillo was dog turd before he signed, as I pointed out on these very pages when we showed interest. So it shows that Rodgers did exactly the wrong thing, because he failed to do his job, as usual.

If he had bothered doing his job, looking at players, watching the youth teams etc, then he wouldn't have been such a massive and embarrassing failure and you wouldn't look a complete fool for defending him.}

13 Jul 2016 17:21:19
Ed, to cover both your responses.

Rodger’s tactical failings is a different debate. The interesting thing here is that Can and Sterling have futures at the top of the game whilst Markovic and Ibe do not, it’s as if playing them out of position isn’t the significant factor in whether they make it or not.

As for the Henderson thing I wasn’t on this site in the summer of 2012 so i thought I’d have a quick scan of the archives. On deadline day there was a lot of talk of Henderson going, some keen to get rid, some non-plussed and a few supporters, there was certainly no one up in arms at the thought of him leaving though. It is very interesting looking at old deadline day posts, this has inspired me to look up a few more.

You think he brought mediocre players so he didn’t have to play youth? I imagine that’s just poor phrasing but the fact is that he did play youth, some made the grade, others did not. When they played well they established themselves in the first team. If Flanagan hadn’t got injured he may well be our first choice right back now but he did and we’ll never know for sure.

Both Suso and Wisdom could have played more games but Rodgers didn’t have the luxury of indulging youth players, he had games to win. Over the course of the 12/ 13 season results started to improve, neither Suso or Wisdom were part of that, they didn’t take their chance.

I will accept that your opinion of Wisdom is that he was good enough but it seems that Rodgers is not the only manager that disagrees with you. I suspect that Wisdom will find his level either in the lower half of the PL or in the Championship.

Ed, I have no time for name calling. The question is whether or not youth development suffered because of Rodgers. The facts are that Rodgers played youth players throughout his tenure, that a number of youth players established themselves in the first team and that most of our best players are youths who Rodgers showed faith in. These facts are completely at odds with this sites view that Rodgers was bad at or anti developing youth. The far more plausible explanation is that the academy failed to produce youths of sufficient quality so Rodgers had to look elsewhere.


{Ed001's Note - the facts are not that he played youth players any more than it is true to say LVG did. Both only turned to them when there were injuries and, despite the team playing better with the youth in it, dumped them into the reserves the moment the experienced pros were fit. It is all very well claiming he played loads, but you are only giving half the story and forgetting that they only played when there were no other options, either through injury or suspensions.

I am going too ignore your ignorance of suggesting Ibe and Markovic do not have futures, while saying Sterling, who has been abysmal, does. You are guessing, as you do not know the future. Can may fail too yet. By the way, no one has said playing them out of position is the sole factor for them failing, or even that it contributes to it. They are talking about why they did not play well, which is true of all four of those players, who struggled badly when played in the wrong position.

You clearly have not seen all the posts as myself and a few others were very vocal against selling Hendo, but those threads probably ended up being deleted as they attracted abuse from the Bodgerites like yourself.

The fact is your are wrong and embarrassing yourself and dragging this out as the only person who still believes in the fraud that we got lumbered with. He brought in mediocre players such as Lallana, Clyne, Moreno, Markovic, etc rather than play youth. Many times he was then forced to turn to the youth when injuries struck, so he would go out and buy seven more players to ensure he never had to do that again. As for Flanno, he would never have been given a chance under Brendan, as he was trying to force him out of the club, until injuries forced his hand.

It is not a luxury to play youth players, nor is it indulgence, unless you are a crap manager who can't win things while giving opportunities to younger players. Fergie managed to give chances to far worse youth players throughout his tenure, while continuing to win trophies.

Wisdom's career has suffered through injuries actually, you might want to check before you make false statements.

The facts are that you are defending the indefensible. Rodgers was crap. He has no idea. He will fail miserably at Celtic too. He is not a manager by any stretch of the imagination.}

13 Jul 2016 18:20:11
Ed, interestingly one of the positive comments was from you, you commented on a wonderful defence splitting pass Henderson made in a match the night before, I'm glad your integrity has been proved.

In the matter of youth (because that is what this post is about) I think you've set impossibly high standards. Rodgers did play youth but apparently he played them for the wrong reasons. Players did make it into the first team but not enough and even those that did were in spite of Rodgers beliefs. It's almost as if you're resistant to giving Rodgers any credit at all.

For me you can't argue with results, Klopp has Sturridge, Ings, Origi, Coutinho, Henderson, Can, Flanagan and Gomez (not to mention Ibe and Markovic) thanks to the work Rodgers did with youth. I think that's a pretty good reflection on his legacy.


{Ed001's Note - no, it is because I know why Rodgers wanted so many signings each season and why he never bothered to watch the youth teams play. He bought that many because he did not like reliance on the academy. He never bothered to watch them because he did not want them in the team. He wanted to farm them all out on loan, as was happening, with no thought or care taken to ensure the loans were good for the players. Which is why so many underwent poor loans, such as Stewart, who showed he was more than good enough to play in the first team when given a shot.

So, apart from Flanagan, who Rodgers never wanted but had to play due to an injury crisis. How many of those players came through as youth players? I will tell you as you are struggling with what a youth player is. None. Zero. Nil. Zilch. They were all bought after graduating another team's academy. Not one was a youth player. Seems you really do not get this and that probably explains the complete absence of any credible argument on your part.

I give credit where it is due, Rodgers youth work with us deserves none. He failed the academy totally.}

13 Jul 2016 19:04:46
Didn't Kenny buy hendo And it was Kenny who gave debuts to sterling and flanno.


13 Jul 2016 22:24:04
Wow Muscat if I was getting slaughtered and owned with facts like Ed is presenting, I would quit because simply said, the more you are arguing, the less smart you look. N btw, he's right too.


13 Jul 2016 19:48:10
Ed, of course we disagree on this but can I ask you a genuine question, one not designed to be argumentative but because I'm genuinely interested.

Do you believe that Suso and the other better prospects would be Liverpool first team players under a different manager?


{Ed001's Note - impossible to say, for starters it would depend upon the manager. If that manager had been, for instance, Dario Gradi, then yes, if it had been someone like Sam Allardyce, then not a chance in hell would anyone have made it.

There is a lot more at fault with Liverpool than just Rodgers' choices. He simply compounded the existing problems.}

13 Jul 2016 08:14:42
So with Ibe, are we saying goodbye to another Pacheco, Pongolle, Suso etc or have we really lost a future worldy?

Looks like the perfect move for him as long as Howe is there and their style of football stays.

I think he will push on as he comes across as having a great attitude and natural ability. One I will bother to keep an eye on and hope he does well.

Believable15 Unbelievable2

13 Jul 2016 08:47:42
Well said Max best of luck to the lad.


13 Jul 2016 08:55:23
Disappointed to see him go tbh, smacks of klopp not being patient or spending enough time with the lad to iron out his kinks. He will be a success and he will rub lfc noses in it i reckon. Good luck to the little fella and i wish him every success.


13 Jul 2016 09:09:47
Can't understand why it's Klopps fault John, he gave him opportunities and he didn't perform.
Klopp might think that with a proven Premier league player in Mane and the rise of Ojo and Kent that Ibes time would be best served elsewhere.
£15 million with a buy back clause is great business.


{Ed001's Note - Kent? When has he risen?}

13 Jul 2016 09:11:11
Best move for everyone. Perfect place for him to develop whilst playing every week under a good young manager. £15 mil is a good fee for us and we have mane and ojo who play a similar role so Ibe's chances and therefore development would not have been optimal had he of stayed. Good luck Jordan. YNWA.


13 Jul 2016 09:13:29
I don't think impatience with youngsters is an accusation that can be levelled at Klopp, personally.

I think it's more likely a simple case of Klopp rating other young players higher. He very clearly rates Brannagan, Ojo, Chirivella, Stewart, Randall, Smith and Ward. As they've all had new contracts and/ or lots of game time.

Some of those lads will probably go on loan (Smith and Ward), and some will stay to cover the first team in the event of injuries.

Just because we rate Ibe, doesn't mean Klopp has to, and with inadequate inside knowledge regarding the situation, it is grossly unfair to label Klopp impatient based on the sale of one youth player. For all we know, Klopp thinks he is a good young player, but just can't fit him in his plans. So instead of stifling his career, perhaps that is why he is letting him leave.

I think it's a bit early for the sweeping statements to come out.


13 Jul 2016 09:27:39
Ed001 I'm including Kent as I think he has shown in his time at Coventry and the few appearances for us that he could be a great little player.
Coventry missed him a lot when he re joined us and I think he impressed again against Tranmere, maybe rise was the wrong word, maybe more potential was more suitable.


{Ed001's Note - ok, he was very hit and miss at Coventry though, clearly has ability but he is a long way from being able to use it in the Premier League. He is nothing to do with the decision to allow Ibe to go.}

13 Jul 2016 09:30:34
Well said MK.


13 Jul 2016 09:34:54
At least there is a buyback clause should he turn out to be a top player.


13 Jul 2016 11:22:40
You have an entire academy filled with good touth players all capabale of fulfullings ibes current role. You do have to sell some. academy players to keep the track open for the others.

Thanks to this move now ojo, Kent or woodburn should get more chances.

We don't stiffle ibes career and we get a really good fee and he gets a manager that is all about young English players.

And a place we he might be the record augning so he is going to play.


13 Jul 2016 12:37:03
The fact there is a buy back clause suggests they think there is some latent talent that could end up florishing in years to come. He has had less than a season and no pre season with the boy to work on his game. So yes there is some impatience with his progress hence why they are willing to sell.

I like klopp to but he is not above criticism.


13 Jul 2016 13:41:05
John I'm not saying Klopp is above criticism. But if he had impatience with young lads, he wouldn't have signed Grujic (20), Mane (24), Matip (24) and Karius (22).

Nor would he have given new contracts to Ward, Smith and Stewart.

Nor would he have refused to loan out Brannagan (citing that he wants the best young players at the club to stay with the club for as much time as is beneficial) .

I can see why you are saying it strikes you as impatience, but I think that is a fairly blinkered assumption.

Klopps best players at the clubs he's coached have always been younger players he has developed into top players. Subotic, Hummels, Gotze, Sahin, Gundogan, Bender, Lewandowski, Reus etc.

If he was at all impatient, none of them would have succeeded at BVB.

I think we need to just accept that Ibe has not progressed as was anticipated, and that other players are now ahead of him; Ojo and Brannagan being the 2 who Ibe was in direct competition with. In case anyone forgot, Klopp brought Brannagan on as a right winger last season and was so impressed that he specifically singled out Brannagan for praise after the game due to how well he played the role.

Ibe seemed to have it all, and I think the rumoured buy back clause (if it is actually true) is probably a safety net incase he suddenly fulfils his potential. I don't expect it to ever be activated though.

I think everybody was so convinced that Ibe would succeed based on his youth games and on loan at Derby, that they have forgotten he is 21 this year and has yet to even hint at breaking into the first team as a regular. It is admirable that for once people want to give an LFC player a chance to develop, but we don't see them train. If Klopp can see others progressing at a more exponential rate, it is no good for Ibe to keep him as a bench warmer.


13 Jul 2016 13:45:15
I agree with MK on this one

Simple fact is the academy has lots of talented youngsters and only a certain percentage will make the grade for any number of reasons including stalled learning curves, attitude issues, how hard they're willing to work, how much they want to get paid, confidence, how much quality game time they can get etc. Everyone will have a different opinion on who those individuals should be and frankly a lot of us have been proven wrong as our pet favourites have fallen away (Suso, Illori, Texeira, Sinclair etc. ) so debate can be fierce but frankly more are going to fail than succeed.

What we should therefore really judge Klopp on is how many become genuine first team players over time and if you look back there aren't many of those besides Flanno and Sterling unless I'm missing something. At PL level, it's hard to get a real shot vs. just being superseded by a newly brought in proven talent.

I personally think he's absolutely right to be brutal at focussing down quicker on those he thinks have a genuine chance and then giving them a better development path than we might have previously. Of the ones I think have a real shot, Ojo, Stewart, Brannagan seem to be prioritised and I think that's all we get through the current crop them I'm fine with that. Iif Klopp thinks selling Ibe for 15mln to leave space for Ojo to develop is a good idea, then that's a fair call.

Next up perhaps 2-3 from Chirivella, Ejaria, Kent, Wilson, Woodburn etc. and others can come through but there isn't a credible way to given proper game time to everyone and I'd rather we focussed on getting smaller numbers of the best talent through more often, than having too many that play he odd game then all drift off elsewhere.


13 Jul 2016 13:27:42
Although I did think he had a poor season I really did have high hopes for Ibe and I'd love to see him do well. I can't ever of seen him make it at Liverpool because we wouldn't of given him time to develop, sterling was different as he broke into a flourishing team high in confidence which helped him a lot. Hopefully Ibe can prove his doubters wrong I know I've been critical of him this last season only because I wanted him to do well but he hasn't publicly cried and and has kept his head down and out of the public eye. So I'd like to wish him the best of luck and hopefully he can become the player we all hoped he would be.


13 Jul 2016 13:29:29
The buy back is just an option for the club to exercise a power. The player could decide against and Y on earth would Ibe return if he does become a top player.


13 Jul 2016 14:20:34
Don`t know what all the fuss is about. In the academy, some players make it at the club, others make it when the go elsewhere while others fall off the map. It happens in every league everywhere and we have examples of youth players who were bought back to their clubs of origin after proving their worth elsewhere. Denis Suarez who got brought back to Barcelona this season is the most recent example. So all should just chill out and see what happens with Ibe, who I rate but needs game time to develop which all in all, is what we all want.


13 Jul 2016 15:23:53
I rated pongolle thought he had something special but that's just my two pence ha.


13 Jul 2016 08:06:04
So next 2 weeks will be interesting if were wanting to get our team in place before our tour. Outgoings must be priority.

Believable6 Unbelievable1

13 Jul 2016 13:18:45
So its up to Ibe to do "a Morata", albeit on a slightly different level. Will follow his progress with interest. Smart move to let him go now, not after sulking on the bench for six months. Makes a return in a few years time more possible.


13 Jul 2016 07:33:18
Hey Eds, saw that we been linked with Ecuadorian defender Josue Mauricio Quinonez, he's 16 and I thought we can't buy kids under 18 from outside of EU, are we looking to sign him? My main question, how would that work since he's 16?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - He would have to stay where he is until 18.}

13 Jul 2016 02:50:09
Ed001 while fellow posters are discussing favourite Liverpool managers, can you let me know all about joe Fagan, all I know of him is that he was a quiet and humble man, so any info and your thoughts would be most welcome. my personal favourite is still Kenny daglish and that 87/ 88 team still takes some beating for style and swagger, hope all is well with you and your family, thanks pal.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - he was the glue that held the club together for many years. He was Uncle Joe, the one that the players could go to when they had a problem, the intermediary between management and players. More than that, he was a very good coach and had a great football brain. It is sad to see his contribution go so unrecognised, because he was up there with Shanks, Paisley, Evans and Twentyman as vital to the club's success.

The management was a team that meshed so well together. It was like an old gearbox, that just ran perfectly, but once one cog changed, even though it was for a cog of seemingly the same size, it never seems to run quite right after wards. I doubt we will ever see the likes again.}

13 Jul 2016 15:13:14
Thanks for the reply ed, it just goes to show how important a good management team is, it also goes some way to explain why we are currently suffering such a long title drought, you are right we will never see the likes again, also each person had a different personality, ie the quiet one, the ruthless one etc that meshed together perfectly, why the club moved away from what worked I will never understand.


{Ed001's Note - because we were run poorly.}

13 Jul 2016 16:04:35
its like they say ed you never know what you've got until its gone, it also ties in with what you told us about moore's leadership, all we can do know is hope that the fsg and klopp ( and his team) can give us a brighter future.


{Ed001's Note - they are certainly a step forward from our previous set up.}

13 Jul 2016 00:30:04
G'day ed01 hope all is well on your side of the world.

Wondering of your opinion on Danny Ings? Do you think he is a good enough player? What qualities does he lack and also have in abundance? Do you think he will make it big at LFC? (don't worry not getting carried away lay one goal against tranmere)

Always value your opinions and love reading your player analyses

Cheersl.

Believable1 Unbelievable2

{Ed001's Note - I have to admit I have grown to like him. I still worry about his injuries, that was one of the big issues before we signed him, but on the pitch he is excellent. He scores goals, he works hard, he is quick, strong, decent in the air, has good movement, presses well. He is almost the perfect striker for Klopp's style of play, if he can stay fit and keeps his bottle. The fitness has to be a major worry though.

The main issue with him, other than fitness, is that we have two strikers that, fully fit and in form, are better than him, in Sturridge and Origi. So it is going to be difficult for him to get game time.}

13 Jul 2016 05:50:57
I like him for bull dogged spirit. I will favoir him over sturridge and origi for tenacity and physical ability in scrappy games against likes of west ham, palace, west brom etc.


13 Jul 2016 06:01:21
Ings' touch is on par with the likes of Sturridge in my opinion, needs a bit of composure at times and sometimes doesn't get his head up but then against he's a striker.


13 Jul 2016 07:34:03
I will take over Sturridge and Origi. And if we are going for two strikers, I will go for Ings and Origi. Their movement upfront would cause all sorts of problems. Sturridge imo is not much of a team player or should I say has a selfish streak about him (among others Couthino's goal claim comes to mind or even his facial expression when Suarez scores instead of him)


13 Jul 2016 08:48:22
Thats what is worrying me ed1. His fitness, if he stays fit he has the potential to be our vardy this season. I think he will shine under Klopp.

Origi was looking class towards the end of the season. He's young, still has a lot to learn. Looking real forward to seeing more of this kid.


13 Jul 2016 11:50:25
Cheers for the reply Ed, appreciate all the work.


{Ed001's Note - you are very welcome.}

13 Jul 2016 13:02:59
He would first and foremost work on his fitness and would need to be patient enough for his chances. It wouldn't a walk in the park to displace Sturridge and Origi.


13 Jul 2016 14:22:50
I`ve grown to like him as well, Ed. He is everything you want in a striker in terms of skill set, attitude and self belief.


 
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